Order Sheet

I really don't understand why some people keep on barking orders. Is it so hard to try and exert some effort by doing something you're capable of doing, as opposed to making others do those things for you?

My brother just got home. H e went to his room not carrying anything. A few seconds later, our maid appeared, carrying what looked like three heavy bags, plus a lot of paper bags. Just when she dropped my brother's things in his room, he told her that there were still paper bags in his car.

I wonder if it's something hereditary. My grandmother bought this gadget, some sort of beeping device. Just one press of a button, then this annoying beep would be heard repeatedly in our house until she pressed the button a second time. By that time, one of our maids would've already asked her what she wanted. It wouldn't be so annoying if I didn't hear that beep every 10 minutes. It's understandable because she does need assistance in almost everything since she's a bit weak these days. But in many instances, those calls are for nonsense things.

And let's not forget my dad. With the way he keeps on barking orders, you'd think he was some quadriplegic who's incapable of almost anything. Give me a glass of water. Get my shoes. Bring my slippers... even when the said things are right there in front of him! Either he gets some ego boost by seeing others doing things for him, or he's just incredibly lazy. During our community work in the province 2 years ago, a member of my foster family asked if she can apply as a helper in our house. Knowing the torture she'd have to endure, I just told her we weren't looking for one. Seeing how our maids only last for a few months, she probably won't last long either.

At times I wondered if it's a gender thing. I don't mean to sound sexist, but back when I was working, the female residents were the ones who keep giving orders. My female seniors were the ones who keep on pestering us with things to do. We'd receive calls and text messages every five minutes asking for updates, checking out our progress in the tasks they've given. Among my batchmates, the female residents are the ones the interns complain about. Who wouldn't? They'd ask them to do even the simplest things. Personally, I don't give out orders. I try to do things myself. In the emergency room, I'd do blood extractions myself, fill out requests--- even if those tasks are assigned to interns. If someone offers their help, I ask them first if they're not supposed to be doing anything else. If there's none, then I'll oblige. When things are too hard for me to do alone, I still don't give orders to anyone. I ask for help instead. There's a big difference. No wonder why a lot of interns were saying I shouldn't have left. Ms. ____, Ms. _____-, and Ms. ________ should have left instead. LOL.

Is it a gender thing? In the hospital setting where doctors, especially surgeons, are still predominantly male... do females feel the need to give out orders to ascertain their superiority? From another perspective, barking out orders can also be seen as acknowledging your weakness--- making others do what you can't do yourself. Where's the superiority there?

Is it about social hierarchy? Do people feel the need to give out orders to strengthen their foothold in their positions? To prove that one is superior than another? Some of these orders are indeed part of job descriptions, but often orders are taken beyond their limits, many are prone to abuse. Many would rather give orders to someone they view as inferior, rather than to ask people for help. They'd rather not risk having others view them as equals, or even inferior thmeselves.